Light Board Corp welcomes 17-year-old Oscar Schönwald to its 2026 squad

Light Board Corp – the brand behind the PARADOXA board, SUP Alps Trophy race series and one of the most talked-about events on the calendar, the Lake Rocks Festival — continues to champion age diversity within the sport. With a multifaceted squad and a growing roster of high-profile events, the brand proves that the future of SUP is in good hands.

For the 2026 season, Light Board Corp welcomes another young rising athlete to the team, joining the likes of Benjam Bossack, and Elin van der Sar  and Selwyn Pritchard – 17-year-old Oscar Schönwald from Radolfzell on Lake Constance.

Growing up by the water in southern Germany, Oscar developed an early connection to paddlesports through canoeing before discovering competitive SUP in 2022. He trains with his coach, Christoph Straub at Kanu Club Radolfzell, where he is also an active member, alongside his membership in the Deutscher Kanu Verband (German Canoe Federation). Under the guidance of his coach, his progression has been rapid and impressive.

Since 2023, he has been a consistent presence on the race circuit, earning podium finishes at the German Championships – including silver in the Junior Tech Race and bronze in Sprint in 2024, followed by another bronze medal in Long Distance in 2025.

With a training routine that blends paddling, mountain biking, road cycling, and running, Oscar represents the modern, multi-disciplinary athlete – explosive in Sprint, strategic and resilient in Long Distance. At just 17, he’s one of the next-generation riders to watch this season.

Hi Oscar, welcome to TotalSUP! Congratulations on joining Light Board Corp! What attracted you to the team and the brand?

Hi, thank you very much. There are several reasons why I joined Light Board Corp. First of all, I love the PARADOXA board – it is my absolute dream board and fits my riding style perfectly. I am also very impressed by the quality and performance of the boards. Another very important point for me is the positive atmosphere within the team.

How do you feel being part of Light Board Corp will impact your development as an athlete?

I am very grateful to be part of Light Board Corp now. The support and trust give me extra motivation to work hard every day. Being part of a professional team helps me not only physically, but also mentally, to take the next step and follow my long-term goals.

The PARADOXA board has been getting a lot of hype lately. What has your experience been like paddling it, and which model are you using?

I am riding the PARADOXA in 20 inches width, which fits me perfectly. I really love this board – it is extremely fast, very light, and feels very direct during races. Every movement is transferred immediately, which is a big advantage, especially in sprints and technical situations. Even though it is narrow, the board gives me a lot of control and confidence. For me, the PARADOXA is the perfect race board and my dream board.

Who do you typically train with, and how does that environment help push your performance?

Most of the time, I train alone, which helps me stay very focused and structured. Two to three times a week, I train together with my coach, where we work specifically on technique, race strategy, and intensity. I also regularly attend training camps, where I can learn a lot from professional paddlers. This pushes my performance a lot.

Do you have a coach or mentor guiding your progression?

Yes, I have a dedicated coach, Christoph Straub, with whom I train with two to three times per week. He closely supports my development and helps me build my training in a smart and long-term way. In addition, I get valuable input from experienced athletes during training camps.

There’s been a growing trend of U18 juniors competing in the open men’s category. What’s your take on that? Do you enjoy the challenge, and what have you learned from this experience racing against seasoned competitors?

This is a difficult but very important topic. For juniors, racing against the open men is a big challenge. Especially for less experienced athletes, it can be very hard to keep up, which can sometimes reduce motivation. For very strong juniors, however, it is an exciting new challenge, and some are already able to compete at a high level. Still, I believe that juniors should have their own ranking and awards, even if they start together with the open men, to support healthy youth development. Racing against the men’s elite has given me a lot of experience.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the SUP world, and how have they influenced your journey?

There are several athletes who inspire me. The Australian paddler Michael Booth impresses me with his consistency and versatility. The German athlete Normen Weber is a big role model for me, especially because of his tactical racing style. Two-time world champion Manuel Lauble also inspires me a lot, especially since I sometimes have the chance to train with him and learn from his experience.

The Light Riders: Manuel Lauble, Peter Weidert, Normen Weber and Benyam Bossack | Photo by Andy Klotz

Where can we see you next? Are there any upcoming races or events you’re particularly excited about?

I have several races planned for this season. The next big event will be The Lake Rocks at Faaker See. I will also compete at the German Championships and at several SUP Alps Trophy races. I am especially excited to take part in the World Championships for the first time this year. It is a big goal for me, and I am training very hard for it. I am really looking forward to the upcoming season and the races. See you on the water!

Thank you Oscar – we can’t wait to meet you in person at the Lake Rocks Festival!

To find out more about LIGHTBOARDCORP® designs, visit lightboardcorp.com  and check out our full interview with Gerd Weisner

Follow Light Board Corp on Facebook and Instagram 

Check out the SUP Alps Trophy calendar and register for races here

Follow Oscar Schönwald on Instagram 

*Images courtesy of Oscar Schönwald